People, Places & Pickles” written by Dr Aamer Sarfraz consists of short stories and essays on a diverse range of topics related to people, religion and social norms & values.
‘Withering Roots’ is written about history, events, specialties and current situation of Lyallpur, now Faisalabad, in a very descriptive and different way. The introduction and proceeding is very dramatic but he feels sorrow for the changed condition of the city. ‘The Prince’ is story of Muhammad Masud Raza Khan, a very genius and talented man of Jhelum who spent a large part of his life in London as a Psychiatrist and did tremendous work in psychology. Writer has great admiration and respect for Masud Khan.
‘Pennies from Heaven’ is name of a film and writer has related an incident of his real life with that movie in an amusing manner. He himself enjoys the incident a lot. In ‘Polygamy-A Socio-religious Conundrum’ the concept of multi-marriages is discussed in views of Christians, Jews and Muslims. ‘Morbid Self: A Personal
Tragedy’ is story of a famous politician’s daughter who was also very enthusiastic and good at politics but got some psychological disorder and failed to do well in practical field.
‘Suicide among Muslims’ is based on effects of Islam on suicide rates among Muslims. It is a case study of young male Muslim who committed a successful suicide. ‘Barking Mad’ is a dialogue between a lawyer and accused. It’s funny to conclude, either lawyer had been a psychological patient or the accused. Dialogue is open ended yet written in a very realistic way.
‘Iqbal & Ahmadiyya’ is written on the fact of Ahmadi Firqa, that how it came into existence and how it was cursed and separated from Muslims’ category. Iqbal was first man to recognize and highlight this “Biddatt” (reform). It has been discussed very logically and in detail.
‘Games that people Play’ is written about his school friends, their past and present condition and the way they behave in society. Most of them are his patients for psychological treatment. “Sufi Method” is a spiritual therapy method which he uses for some of his patients. Relation of Pir-Murid is discussed in detail. While ‘Different Sorts’ is a collection of different behaviors at different times and the behavioural change from person to person according to nature. He shares different experiences of his patients and folks. In ‘Understanding Revelation’ writer has described the term of revelation according to the views of his many patients. These are short relevant case studies of them. In ‘The Mating Game’ author has discussed the psychological aspects of sexuality among men and women and the difference of their behavior.
The topics, he chose, are very close to reality and life. His thoughts and ideas are very interesting and have been expressed in a very careful way. Simple language is used and the demonstration of situation is quit vivid. The readers can see it through imaginations.
Sometimes author is influenced by his own judgment and gave biased opinion so the readers are not forced to agree. As the author is a psychiatrist so all of his writing moves around psyche and his experiences of career in psychology. All the issues are logic based and informative. He has the skill of creating and maintaining curiosity.
We recommend that books lovers should read it in leisure time to get and enjoy the interest and depth of study. We are sure; you will gain a lot and will not regret reading it as it gives a pleasure and projection therapy to your mind.
Seems like an interesting and a different kind of book by Dr Aamer Sarfraz
You have not written who published it – googled, it is Mavra Publishers
I have read the initial part of this book and I must admit that the my thoughts flew through this beautifully written book and so did my imagination.
Dr Sarfraz has the gift of bringing the reader into his story and we watch the plot from within rather than as an out side unattached observer. A great gift for a writer. Probably his learned skills as a Psychiatrist do come into play as well.
Its heartening to see this famous and successful son of Lyallpur doing so much for his city and most importantly bringing the recognition of the identity and rightful pride back to its people.
Well done Dr Sarfraz in your maiden innings. We expect to see a lot more in the coming years.
I have read the initial part of this book and I must admit that the my thoughts flew through this beautifully written book and so did my imagination. Articulate and Eloquent work by Dr Sarfraz.
The Strength of this work by Dr Sarfraz is to draw the reader into the story rather than have him as an outsider observer to the plot. Probably his skills as a Psychiatrist may have played a part here too!
Dr Srfaraz is passionate about Lyallpur and talks candidly about the people of this great city. This book will go a long way to restore the identity and rightful pride of the people of this great city. We done Aamer and keep doing your work. God bless you for your selfless effort.
Got the book a couple of weeks ago. I must say that I have not seen anyone write so comprehensively on such diverse topics other than Khalid Ahmad. It seems to have everything – life, politics, religion, culture + a fair share of controversial/debatable stuff.
Sir, this review does do justice to the book. However, it is understandable because the reviewer can only take so much. I have read the first 2 articles and they are still sinking in – call me whatever you like but I cried reading the article about Lyallpur.
Interesting, controversial and a great read – this book does pack the proverbial punch.
I would advise Dr Aamer Sarfraz/publisher to sack the proof-reader though 🙂
I have read few topics individually published which are now part of this book, so eagarly waiting to get the book and read the rest.
Although, personally, I have less relation with Lyallpur than Faisalabad because of the age factor, however, yesterday I developed a strong hidden attraction for Lyallpur when one of my senior colleague could only remember things about Faisalabad when I mentioned that it used to be called Lyallpur. Offcourse he is living abroad for donkey years now and has not kept himself updated.
Oh good old Lyallpur. Iconic and Nostalgic. I vividly remember the 60s and 70s. A beautiful city with lovely and warm hearted people living in this great city. This city is also Lilly-e- Afgan (killer of Lilly). I loved every bit of that thrashing. MAy God Bless Pakistan and Lyallpur.
This is a very interesting and unique book!
I honestly think this reveiw has been written in a hurry and is quite bad
My favourite in the book is the article on revelation. It is difficult and technical; only a decent psychiatrist could do justice to it. The author has written better about this pickle than anything I have seen in print.
Comments are closed.